Colt Pistol Identity Help?

[gunman1 1,753]

I purchased this gun at an auction yesterday and have now become very confused as to how to identify it, any EXPERIENCED, colt pistol help will be appreciated. I would like to everything I possibly can about it.

 

So here is what I know so far, moving from front end of barrel to bottom of grip butt:

 

It appears to be nickel plated, but the tag from the auction says it's stainless.

Holds 6 rounds.

Barrel measures 4-1/2 in.

Colt's PT F A Mfg. Co. stamped on barrel.

Hartford Ct. stamped on barrel.

Pat. Aug. 5 84  Nov. 6 ??? (all other lettering on this line is worn off barrel)

Colt DA .38  stamped on barrel.

The number on the frame (with cylinder open) is 1104, and there is a number 8 just above that. The cylinder number is 1104.

The three digit number on the cylinder release is 104.

There is a (Rampant horse "colt") stamped into the frame just above the top of the grip on the left side.

The grips are checkered hard rubber, and at the top of the grip is the word COLT with the rampant horse, "colt" under that, and rosettes on either side.

The number on the butt is 182238, this is the only information stamped into the butt.

 

The cylinder bores are not stepped, therefore I believe it is .38 S&W.

 

I am confused as to what is actually the S/N, I have read that it is the number on the butt, an I've also read that it is the number on the frame, experienced help with this appreciated. 

 

[Shandlanos 1,470]

Look at the placement of the firing pin to determine if it's centerfire or rimfire. I don't know old Colt revolvers well at all, but it looks old enough that it could chamber .38 RF.

[thebuns1 4,323]

Almost looks like an 1892 model chambered in .38 Colt.

[jdtravers 637]

Could be .38 Super.  Colt made quite a few of them for export.  I can give you the case dimension of the .38 super, if you want them.

 

I don't know Colt that well, but S&W  Serial Number is on the frame (cylinder open).

 

Jack

[gunman1 1,753]

Could be .38 Super.  Colt made quite a few of them for export.  I can give you the case dimension of the .38 super, if you want them.

 

I don't know Colt that well, but S&W  Serial Number on the frame (cylinder open).

 

Jack

 

Why would it have a S&W Serial Number, and a Colt Serial Number?

[magsite20 1,664]

my guess would be a 38 long colt caliber

here's a close one to it

http://www.antiquefirearms.org/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=52

 

should make note it was a black powder load and much lower pressure than a 38 special. so even if it will chamber a 38 spl don't.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Long_Colt

Edited December 30, 2013 by the 4th Doctor

[jdtravers 637]

 

Could be .38 Super.  Colt made quite a few of them for export.  I can give you the case dimension of the .38 super, if you want them.

 

I don't know Colt that well, but S&W  Serial Number on the frame (cylinder open).

 

Jack

 

Why would it have a S&W Serial Number, and a Colt Serial Number?

 

That is not what it says!!!  Smith and Wesson puts their serial numbers on the inside of the frame, with the cylinder open.  I am saying Colt might do the same thing.

In other words some of the Colts are on the frame, some are on the butt, some are in both places.

 

Here is a link to Colt to play with and you may want to contact their Archive Department. 

 

http://www.coltsmfg.com/customerservices/serialnumberlookup.aspx

[gunman1 1,753]

 

 

Could be .38 Super.  Colt made quite a few of them for export.  I can give you the case dimension of the .38 super, if you want them.

 

I don't know Colt that well, but S&W  Serial Number on the frame (cylinder open).

 

Jack

 

Why would it have a S&W Serial Number, and a Colt Serial Number?

 

That is not what it says!!!  Smith and Wesson puts their serial numbers on the inside of the frame, with the cylinder open.  I am saying Colt might do the same thing.

In other words some of the Colts are on the frame, some are on the butt, some are in both places.

 

Here is a link to Colt to play with and you may want to contact their Archive Department. 

 

http://www.coltsmfg.com/customerservices/serialnumberlookup.aspx

 

 

The search is about like tits on a bull, but I might use the Archive Service. Thanks Jack.

 

 

my guess would be a 38 long colt caliber

here's a close one to it

http://www.antiquefirearms.org/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=52

 

should make note it was a black powder load and much lower pressure than a 38 special. so even if it will chamber a 38 spl don't.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Long_Colt

 

That link is helpful Doc, thanks.

 

I think this is a Model 1892 "New Army and Navy" -Civilian, I also think it was made in 1900. I agree with you Doc, everything I've read points to it being the .38 Long Colt round, and not .38 special.

 

Thanks to everyone for your input.

Edited December 31, 2013 by AA re-cvrd

[thebuns1 4,323]

Your welcome.

[gunman1 1,753]

Your welcome.

 

Please forgive me

[Sim_Player 1,939]

I find it interesting that it doesn't have any sharp edges.

 

I wonder if someone purposely sanded down the corners.

 

It looks like a stick of soft butter.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Sim_Player

[thebuns1 4,323]

 

Your welcome.

 

Please forgive me

 

[gunman1 1,753]

I find it interesting that it doesn't have any sharp edges.

 

I wonder if someone purposely sanded down the corners.

 

It looks like a stick of soft butter.

 

I don't know, the gun is 114 years old.....maybe Sam Colt did it

 

Here is a picture of the one from the link that Doc provided, they may have been manufactured that way. Not all guns were manufactured like a brick.